Evaluation of Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems at Selected Teaching Hospitals in South West Nigeria

Background: A functional adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting system is the backbone of national pharmacovigilance and post-marketing drug safety surveillance. Teaching hospitals are expected to lead in ADR reporting due to their clinical complexity and academic orientation. This study evaluated the ADR reporting systems and reporting rates at teaching hospitals in South West Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional institutional assessment was conducted at four teaching hospitals in Lagos, Ibadan, Osogbo, and Ile-Ife. Structured interviews were conducted with hospital pharmacovigilance focal persons, and ADR report logs for the preceding 24 months were reviewed. A self-administered questionnaire assessed healthcare worker reporting behaviour and knowledge. Results: All four hospitals had designated ADR focal persons, but dedicated reporting forms were used consistently in only two institutions. ADR reports submitted to the national pharmacovigilance centre averaged 11 per hospital per year, well below expected levels for facilities of their size. Healthcare worker knowledge of Yellow Card reporting was adequate in only 34 percent of respondents. Conclusion: ADR reporting systems in South West teaching hospitals are structurally present but operationally weak. Strengthening ADR reporting culture through training, electronic reporting platforms, and incentive-based engagement are essential. Keywords: adverse drug reactions, pharmacovigilance, reporting, teaching hospitals, South West Nigeria